Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet and Republican Representative Jeff Hurd introduced the bipartisan Glenwood Hot Springs Protection Act in the U.S. House and Senate on July 23. The proposed legislation would prohibit the U.S. Secretary of the Interior from processing or approving any application for the expansion of the Mid-Continent limestone quarry, also known as the Transfer Trail limestone quarry. 

The bill comes just a short time after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) accepted an application from Rocky Mountain Industrials, the owner of the mine, for a 43-acre expansion upslope of the existing quarry. Community leaders and officials from local, state, tribal and federal governments are joining together to oppose it. 

The 43-year-old mine is a stone’s throw from Glenwood Springs and sits on top of the limestone geological formation that supports area hot springs. Mining there could irreparably damage the geothermal structures that feed the hot springs, say proponents of the bill, who gathered for a recent virtual press call with Bennet and Hurd. 

Hurd reminded everyone that he is pro-mining, pro-energy and pro-resource development. 

“Those industries have been and continue to be a vital part of our economy, and I’m going to continue fighting for them in Congress,” he said. But, he is not in favor of an expansion of the limestone quarry near Glenwood Springs. 

Contamination of local hot springs could not only tank tourism in Glenwood, but would also disturb an ancient site long used by the Ute Nations. 

“The Glenwood Hot Springs are one of Colorado’s true treasures,” Hurd said. “They are an economic engine for Western Colorado, they are a national landmark and they are also a place that has a deep, cultural significance that has drawn people for generations.”

According to Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves, 6,000 gallons of water per minute, naturally heated to 125 degrees Fahrenheit, flow through the rooms of the cave, which was a sacred healing spot for the Utes long before white settlers found it. 

Marvin Pinnecoose, acting chairman of the Southern Ute Tribe, also joined the press call and said that Pagosa Springs, Ouray and Glenwood have hot springs that were used by his people for centuries during annual tribal migrations.

“Natural, cultural, ceremonial resources thrive in specific areas; and certain animals, they live in certain places during specific times of year; plants grow in certain places,” he explained. “And all of these are the reasons why we migrated to these areas, because we could rely on them year after year.” 

Pinnecoose added that the hot springs have medicinal and spiritual value. 

“These are our sacred sites, and the hot springs themselves, they hold medicine. They hold power, the power to heal, the power to soothe the soul, to relax and to pray,” he said. “And any threat to that harmony that brings that kind of peace to mankind is an offense to the great blessing that the Creator has given us and allowed us to utilize facilities like that.”

He said that his people understand mineral extraction due to the natural gas deposits on the Southern Ute Reservation, and that it must be done responsibly.

“We’ve had opportunities to drill in areas that would’ve been profitable and to be able to provide that resource to the public. But in our due diligence process, we also have to look at, you know, are we coming across cultural sites, significant plants, animals that might be in danger?” he said, adding that the Utes consider themselves stewards of the land and take that role seriously. 

The Glenwood Hot Springs Protection Act now goes to committee. Bennet said there may not be any action on the bill until after the November election.